ITV announced the news this evening (but refused to go into more detail) and Ant and Dec only made a brief reference to the comedian's departure in tonight's show.

A source revealed his family were already in the air en-route Down Under, when the 51-year-old funnyman quit. His publicist declined to comment.

It comes days after viewers of the ITV1 show saw him break down in tears after a confrontation with David Haye when the boxer sparked a row by flicking two burning logs on to the forest floor.

It is understood that the comedian left the camp in Australia at some point this afternoon, but it was unclear whether he was taken to a nearby hospital or to a luxury hotel.

He was seen during the live show on Sunday, cheering Helen Flanagan on as she completed the Bush Tucker Trial in front of her camp mates.

Other than his argument with David Haye, which saw Brian being driven to tears after getting very angry with the boxer over firewood antics, the 51 year old appeared to be having a great time on the show. You know, aside from the lack of food, bugs and chronic BO.

Brian was tethered to David for a task before he left the jungle (Image: ITV)

Brian was a firm favourite with the audience and expected to win the ITV1 series, just ahead of Charlie Brooks.